There is still plenty of life left in the jumps season, but attentions turn toward the return of the flat, with March 15 marking the start of a new turf season in Ireland.
Last term, a new champion jockey was crowned in Dylan Browne McMonagle, while the all-conquering Aidan O'Brien continued to dominate, only coming up two group 1s short of his record haul of 28 in 2017.
As the 2026 season kicks off with the Irish Lincolnshire card at the Curragh, we take a look at some of the horses and riders who could make a big impact in the months ahead.
Horses
Last season's biggest talking horse quickly built up a sizeable reputation and caught the imagination of many, with O'Brien labelling him a "total freak" and seemingly rating him by far and away his best juvenile. However, injury curtailed his 2-year-old campaign after just two victories.
The Wootton Bassett colt did not have the clearest of passages in the Marble Hill Stakes (G3), and shaped as though the three-quarter-length winning margin over Power Blue underestimated his superiority. That rival subsequently franked the form by landing the Phoenix Stakes (G1).
A best-priced 10-1 for the Two Thousand Guineas (G1), he could yet emerge as a superstar, although he first must prove he stays a mile, having won both of his starts over 6 furlongs.
A dual group 1-winning juvenile who never looked back after her opening defeat in a Fairyhouse maiden, going on to rattle off four consecutive victories. She was a short-priced favorite to add a Breeders' Cup success to her record before being withdrawn on the morning of the race because of an infection.
O'Brien described Precise as being "different gear" to dual classic winner Minding following her victory in the Fillies' Mile (G1) at Newmarket. If that assessment proves accurate, she could take high rank among the leading fillies of her generation.
Given that her most impressive success came over the course and distance, it is not surprising that she heads the betting at a best-priced 5-2 for the One Thousand Guineas (G1).
It does not get much deeper than heavy ground at Gowran Park, and Faiyum absolutely reveled in it on her final start last season when dismantling a group 3 field by 7 lengths.
That performance prompted trainer Ger Lyons to consider targeting a soft-ground campaign this term with the 4-year-old Frankel filly.
Her only defeat from four starts came behind Barnavara on good ground, but that form looks strong given the winner went on to claim the Prix de l'Opera (G1) on Arc weekend.
If she encounters suitable conditions, Faiyum will be dangerous and can rate highly this term.
A first Royal Ascot victory arrived for Paddy Twomey in 2025 when Carmers landed the Queen's Vase (G2), and the colt confirmed that ability when producing a high-class effort to finish runner-up in the Great Voltigeur Stakes (G2).
Things didn't happen for him in the St Leger Stakes (G1), but that lesser effort came on ground softer than he had previously encountered.
Twomey has confirmed that the son of Wootton Bassett will remain in training this season and he could develop into a major player in the top staying contests.
Jockeys
Nicola Burns
A thoroughly deserving winner of the HRI emerging talent award, given how quickly she has established herself. The Lyons apprentice has ridden for Jessica Harrington, Twomey, and even Willie Mullins in her short career under rules, which only began in late 2024.
Burns bagged 19 winners in the apprentice championship last season, finishing fifth. She has kept her eye in on the all-weather over the winter and will undoubtedly be hoping to become just the second woman to win the champion apprentice title in its history since Cathy Gannon in 2004.
Patrick McGettigan
Last season's joint-sixth in the apprentice standings is another young rider worth keeping onside in the coming months. The Letterkenny native enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, with 18 winners and had a knack for delivering results at the major meetings.
Apprenticed to Johnny Murtagh, McGettigan had wins on Irish Derby weekend and at the Galway festival, helping Murtagh to his best season as a trainer.
If he keeps progressing, the teenager could emerge as one of the standout young riders of the season. He returned a level stakes profit of +57.38 last year.
